NCAA Suspends ValueJet Pilots Over Safety Breach at Abuja Airport

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licenses of two ValueJet pilots over a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The disciplinary action was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr. Michael Achimugu, NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, and released on Tuesday in Abuja.

“The NCAA has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025,” the statement read.

According to the NCAA, the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and First Officer Ivan Oloba, failed to adhere to mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols, choosing instead to commence departure procedures from the designated bay without authorization.

“The pilot’s reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” the statement added.

As a result, both the pilot and co-pilot’s licenses have been suspended with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident.

The aviation regulator described the conduct as a grave violation and emphasized its zero-tolerance stance toward any act that compromises passenger and public safety.

“The NCAA views the incident with utmost seriousness as it reaffirms its commitment to safety to all stakeholders,” Achimugu concluded.

The Authority reiterated its ongoing commitment to upholding the highest standards in aviation safety and warned that similar breaches will attract strict regulatory consequences.